It seems to me that I’ve been very technical in my recent articles. That’s fine, we want to learn when we read The Laidback Gardener! Except that I have a feeling you’re due for… a good old slice of life!
I was walking along a bike path near my house (on foot, because I have the balance of a carrot on a bike) and I saw a turtle!
This is far from my first encounter with a turtle: I worked with animals for a long time and I know our reptilian friends well. I’ve participated in the release of baby spiny softshell turtles, I’ve presented painted, map, and red-eared slider turtles in animations countless times, and I’ve even rescued a turtle in the middle of the street! In all honesty, I even dissected one during my studies!
(… OK, I watched my colleague dissect a turtle with my eyes half closed. It’s never been my strong suit, doing “reverse IKEA” with animals, as my partner calls it!)
Anyway, I saw a turtle during my walk, and it was the first time I had ever seen a snapping turtle in the wild.
Yeah, so what? Spill it, what’s the kicker?
Well, I did exactly what you’re not supposed to do, and I don’t want anyone else to do the same thing!
Turtles of Quebec
Before going any further, because I like suspense, let me tell you about turtles in Quebec. We have between 7 and 11 species, depending on who compiles the list. Can you name them?
Why can’t we agree? Because some species have only been seen two or three times, and these may have been individuals released into the wild that don’t actually reproduce here. Other species are invasive, such as the popular red-eared slider, but are not native to Quebec. There is also the leatherback turtle, a sea turtle found only on ocean shores, which is not considered a Quebec species. In short, once again, scientists like to argue!
In our province, the only reptiles you’ll encounter are snakes (garter snakes) and turtles. Forget about lizards and crocodiles—we don’t have those here. One of the reasons for this, and probably the most important one, can be summed up in three words: IT’S COLD.
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals: they need the sun’s heat to warm themselves up, activate their mechanisms, and enable them to move, digest, reproduce—in short, to live. With our long winter months, heat becomes a rare commodity, and the only reptiles that manage to survive are those that hibernate, like our beloved turtles.
Spring, a Crucial Time
OK, but what did you do that was so terrible?
I’m getting to that!
The return of warm weather is a really important time for our beloved turtles. They have to come out of their long hibernation and spend several hours in the May sunshine to warm up.
This is even more important because it is also the time for them to reproduce and/or prepare to lay eggs: they need all the warmth they can get to have the energy to lay eggs in June. So don’t be surprised if you live within a mile or two of a lake or stream and see them basking in your driveway or on the rocks in your landscaping.
While out walking, I saw a snapping turtle. It was in a small stream that I know well. In summer, it’s mostly mud with an inch or two of water. In spring, it’s full of dead cattail trunks from the previous year, with the water level a little higher. My turtle looked like it was “walking” on water because of all the trunks (although it wasn’t walking!).
Fully aware of the importance of these springtime sunbaths, I approached her anyway, thinking that at worst she would move a few steps away if I disturbed her, but that she would continue to warm herself.
You see, I wanted to know what kind of turtle it was! What if I had found an endangered species? I had to report it! All our species are endangered to some extent, but some benefit from additional special measures. I had the best of intentions!
Except that this big turtle happened to… dive! I swear the creek looked like it was three inches deep at most, but she sank like a worm into the ground, without any difficulty, sliding without making a splash. A big turtle, whose shell must have been at least a foot long, sank in, casually, like a knife through hot butter, and disappeared!
It was impressive to see… and I felt really bad for the poor turtle! So there you have it: don’t disturb turtles when they’re sunbathing, it’s REALLY bad! Naughty Audrey!
The Snapping Turtle in the Garden
Although, I repeat, all turtles in Quebec are in a situation of varying concern, the snapping turtle is one of the most common. It is an absolutely magnificent turtle: it does not have bright colors or a graceful shape, but rather resembles a dinosaur forgotten by evolution. It is easily recognizable by its long tail and serrated shell, especially since it is quite large: its shell is 40 cm/16″ long and it weighs over 40 lb as an adult! You may very well see one near your home: this species ventures far from water to lay its eggs. It buries its eggs in sandy soil or even in gravel on the side of the road.
If you see one, observe it without disturbing it. I INSIST: do not scare it. Beyond its need for sunlight, it can inflict very serious bites that can even cut off a finger! Sticking your fingers out to it like you would to a dog is NOT a good idea! There’s a reason why it’s called a snapping turtle: it’s quick when it comes to catching worms, fish, small mammals, and other tasty meals.
If it approaches you: that’s fine, it’s curious but not aggressive.
Another important point: what should you do if it lays eggs on your property? Be aware that only one in 1,000 babies will hatch and reach adulthood. Every egg counts in turtle populations. I therefore invite you to note the location chosen by your nesting turtle and protect it. While searching the internet, I found this very well-explained guide for building nest protection.
Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature. It’s not just about having pretty flowers: you’ll meet lots of interesting creatures while tending to your garden. You are now ready to meet and share your land with the snake-necked turtle. Isn’t that exciting? Let me know in the comments if you want to learn more about the animals you might encounter on your property and how to interact with them. I’m all ears!
I wish you many wonderful encounters this summer!
I also would enjoy learning more about wildlife in and around our gardens.
Great piece. Would enjoy more Wildlife in the Garden stories.